Plastics Technology Practice - The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Plastics Technology Practice
4. Other Plastic Fabrication processes
In addition of the above mentioned mass production manufacturing processes,
single piece or small quantity of plastic models can be produced by others
processes, the following session will introduce three common techniques for
making plastic parts.
4.1 Plastic board Fabrication
In general, the working of plastic materials by hand tool or by machine usually
uses the same methods as those commonly employed for work on wood and
metals such as filing, drilling turning, milling , Hot Wire Bending, Engraving, Sand
blasting, Fastening, Laser Cutting, Mechanical fastening, Bonding or sawing.
4.1.1 Cutting Plastics - Plastics can be cut by methods commonly employed for
wood, metals and paper. Among the various cutting methods sawing is the most
effective one.
• Hand Saws - Many hand saws
can be used to cut plastics. Hack
saws work well for cutting rod,
tube and sheet. Jig saws are
useful for cutting intricate
shapes and holes in plastic
sheets.
• Circular Saws - Circular saws are suitable for straight cuts. A speed of
about 1,500 m/min is a reasonable average for cutting plastics. Carbidetipped
saw blades will hold up longer with less maintenance, but hollowground
cross-cutting blades with zero rake and 2-3 mm pitch will do
many jobs well. All blades must be kept clean and sharp.
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